Hyperadrenergic syndrome in severe tetanus: extreme rise in catecholamines responsive to labetalol

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1984 May 19;288(6429):1483-4. doi: 10.1136/bmj.288.6429.1483.

Abstract

The hyperadrenergic syndrome that occurs in tetanus is characterised by hypertension, tachycardia, and increased systemic arteriolar resistance. A 74 year old man with tetanus was found to have very high catecholamine concentrations--as high as those in phaeochromocytoma--and the fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate were measured to see whether they paralleled changes in the catecholamine values. A labetalol infusion of 0.25-1 mg/min gradually stabilised the cardiovascular disturbances and the patient recovered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Fibers*
  • Aged
  • Catecholamines / blood*
  • Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Labetalol / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Syndrome
  • Tachycardia / etiology
  • Tetanus / blood
  • Tetanus / complications*

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Ethanolamines
  • Labetalol